Earlier today MSNBC’s Ali Velshi interviewed Ronen Bergman, the Senior National Security Correspondent for Yedioth Ahronot. Bergman book on Israel’s assassination program has just been published, but the interview never actually got to the book. Rather, it was all about the Israeli Vs Syrian and Iranian fighting over the weekend. The discussion was illuminating, alarming, and discouraging (click across to see the video as it won’t embed).

Bergman is reporting that Israel was preparing a full scale operation
against the Syrian military, the Iranian Quds Force, and Hezbullah on Saturday in response to the drone incursion and the downing of the IAF F-16I. The operation was called off when Prime Minister Netanyahu got an angry phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin telling him to stand down as this operation would put Russian military assets and personnel in Syria at risk. Bergman’s conclusion is that the US has now ceded its role in the Middle East to Russia. And that Putin may not have the region’s well being, let alone stability in mind, as he pursues his own agenda. Bergman also reported that when the Israelis went to the US and asked for them to get involved the American responses were a combination of less than reassuring to non responsive. As a result the Israelis, specifically Netanyahu, have concluded that the US is now disinterested and not willing to be engaged at the national and regional strategic level. Therefore the Israelis will make their own
determinations about what to do, when to do it, and how to do it without concern for what the US may or may not want.

Bergman’s reporting should be shocking. And not just to national
security and foreign policy hawks. There is a legitimate discussion to be had about the US’s role in the world, or in specific regions of it,
and how better to balance other states involvement in the 21st Century global system. Essentially a long overdue discussion about what the global system should be, how it should be organized, who should guarantee a basic level of security within it, and who should be the rule maker or rule makers, as the post World War II and post Cold War international orders break down and need to be replaced. These discussions require intelligence, forethought and foresight, nuance, reason, the ability to negotiate in good faith and communicate across cultures to balance competing interests. From long established powers like the US to emerging powers like China to smaller, but regionally significant powers.

A girl with Down syndrome, got up during a regular papal service & went toward @PontifexSecurity men quickly moved in 2 take her back to her mom. The Pope stopped them & said to her "come sit next to me.” She then sat down near him and he continued his homily, holding her hands pic.twitter.com/2QziweDRPX

Sessions' comment was to a Sheriff's group, during African-American history month no less. Not remotely the same as someone discussing the civil and criminal legal system's Anglo-American common law roots to foreign legal audience.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will get married in May before an expected crowd of 800 family members and friends at Windsor Castle's St. George's Chapel; the 700-year-old chapel has a long history of royal weddings. pic.twitter.com/ivOCT5KH07

“The Democrats don’t matter,” Bannon had said to me over our lunch. “The real opposition is the media. And the way to deal with them is to flood the zone with shit.” They've learned well from the Russians!https://t.co/TuxntSh07a via @bv

Kobe Bryant says he would have participated in the protests during the national anthem if he was still been playing for the NBA: “…this is a free country. I think we have the right to peaceful protest.” (via TheUndefeated) pic.twitter.com/Dyv3xco9Gp

"The office of Sheriff is a critical part of the Anglo-American heritage of law enforcement. We must never erode this historic office" : Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaking at the National Sheriff's Association winter conference in DC. @vicenewspic.twitter.com/gPS6AbkS30

Michelle Obama: "I'm also thinking about all the…girls and girls of color, who in years ahead will come to this place, and they will look up, and they will see an image of someone who looks like them hanging on the wall of this great American institution." pic.twitter.com/PHCjaNrul3

"Wow Wow," says Mrs Obama of her portrait and years as First Lady. "What an incredible journey we are on in this country." She says we have "every reason to be hopeful and proud." pic.twitter.com/EJEpEgym8O

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Even though 3Chics Politico is written and curated by three women: Ametia, Rikyrah, and SouthernGirl2, I must nominate this as one of the most engaging blogs I've found. Devoted to politics and culture, these three shine a light on contemporary life with humor and spirit.